UEFA has fined Real Madrid following an incident during their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal.
The Gunners entered the second leg at the Bernabeu with a commanding three-goal lead, thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Mikel Merino. Early in the match, Bukayo Saka had a chance to extend that advantage but saw his penalty saved by Thibaut Courtois. Real Madrid were later awarded a penalty of their own after Kylian Mbappé was fouled, but VAR overturned the decision. Saka eventually found the net, only for Vinicius Jr. to quickly equalize.
In stoppage time, with Madrid pressing for more goals, they were caught on the counterattack, allowing Gabriel Martinelli to score after a precise pass from Merino. Other key moments included Thomas Partey receiving a booking that ruled him out of the semi-final first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, which Arsenal went on to lose 1-0 at the Emirates.
While that tie took place nearly a month ago, UEFA has now issued a disciplinary update. In an official statement, they announced:
> “The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has taken the following decision: Match: Arsenal FC vs. Real Madrid CF (3:0), 08.04.2025, UEFA Champions League 2024/2025
Charges against Real Madrid CF:
Decision: The CEDB has decided to fine Real Madrid CF €15,000 and to ban the club from selling tickets to its away supporters for one (1) UEFA competition match, due to racist behaviour.
This ban is suspended for a probationary period of one year starting from the date of the decision.”
Because the ban is suspended, Real Madrid supporters are not currently barred from attending away matches—though that could change if further violations occur.